Couple caught smuggling exotic animals at Kochi airport; Hyacinth Macaw, Tamarins and more

Kochi: Customs officials in Kochi were left stunned on Monday morning when they discovered a collection of exotic wildlife hidden in the baggage of a couple arriving from Thailand.

Jobson Joy (28) and his wife Aryamol (28), residents of Pathanamthitta, were detained after officials discovered several rare animals in specially concealed compartments within their luggage. The couple had flown in from Bangkok on a Thai Airways flight.

The seized animals included a striking blue Hyacinth Macaw -- one of the world’s largest parrots -- along with three Marmoset monkeys and two white-lipped Tamarin monkeys. Customs grew suspicious and conducted a thorough baggage check, during which the animals were found in a custom-made box.

The couple reportedly told authorities they had travelled to Thailand on 24 June and were acting as paid couriers. They were instructed to hand over the animals to an unidentified person upon arrival at Kochi airport. Customs immediately handed over the couple and the animals to the Forest Department.

The intercepted animals are native to Latin American rainforests and are protected under international conservation laws. The Forest Department has confirmed the animals will be relocated to the Puthoor Zoological Park.

A team led by Karakkad Forest Station Deputy Range Officer K Anil Kumar arrested the couple. They are expected to be produced before the Perumbavoor court on Tuesday.

Authorities suspect the involvement of a larger international wildlife trafficking network. While couriers are frequently apprehended, investigators often struggle to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind such smuggling operations. Importing exotic wildlife without proper authorisation is strictly prohibited under Indian law.